Urban Forestry
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Forestry section is
solely and legally responsible for all public trees in Columbus that grow along
streets, in public parks and on all city properties. The Forestry section has
knowledgeable and skilled staff with industry-recognized qualifications and
certifications, including International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Certified Arborists, ISA Certified Tree Workers and staff who are Tree Risk
Assessment Qualified. Our Forestry staff plants trees, prunes trees, removes
hazardous trees and grinds stumps on public properties. Forestry crews work on
Columbus’ streets, inspecting public trees and completing work orders. Forestry
staff are on call 24 hours a day to respond to tree-related emergencies.
Forestry staff also review and comment on development plans when there are
potential impacts to trees.
The
Forestry Section operates a 45-acre tree nursery. The nursery meets the needs
of the City’s tree planting program by providing diverse bare root and
container grown tree species that are not available at local commercial
nurseries. Nursery staff are vital to Forestry operations, inspecting and
caring for young trees in addition to on-site nursery activities. In addition
to trees grown at the nursery, Forestry staff purchase and plant trees through
professional contracts.
Report Storm Damage/ Emergencies
Do you have recent
damage from fallen branches or trees from city property? If so, call 614-645-3111 or click the "311" link
below. Once on the site, choose the "City Tree Needs Maintenance"
option provided. (An account must be created to report storm damage.)
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311
Do you have a non-life threatening emergency due to trees which have fallen on city
property? If this occurs after Forestry’s business hours, which are Monday
through Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., excluding holidays, call the Columbus Division
of Police at 614-645-4545.
Street Tree FAQs
We answer your questions about street trees in
Columbus. -Learn more
Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP)
This Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP) is a strategic and long-term investment in Columbus’s urban tree canopy. -Learn More
Columbus Tree Subcommission
Meet the members of the Columbus Tree Subcommission – Learn more
Champion Big Trees
American Forests' National Big Tree Program is a conservation movement to locate, appreciate and protect the biggest tree species in the United States. Find out where you can see these trees!
- learn more